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Help save the life of FACTUALLY INNOCENT MEN!!!

Challenging the Law of Parties!

Target:
Texas Legislature
Sponsored by: 

Dear Distinguished Members of the Texas Legislature,


Today we, the undersigned, come to you with an urgent petition. We hope that you hear our cries for this urgent and just matter. Many of you that read this letter are probably already familiar with this issue and we hope that we will be able to motivate you to act. This issue is regarding the Texas Law of Parties Statute, specifically the application of 7.02(b), and how Texas prosecutors, and Courts, are abusing it. We feel that it is time that this law be attacked and challenged on a grand basis.


We have been winning some great victories against the death penalty with DNA issues, mental retardation standards and the juvenile ruling, but who can deny that many issues still remain? We feel that the Law of Parties should be put at the forefront. Why? Because this system claims that the death penalty is reserved for the worst of the worst criminals, and for the most heinous crimes; yet there are men on death row who did not kill a single person and in the majority of these Law of Parties cases did not even intend that a life be taken. We are outraged that no group of politicians has stood up to point this out until now!  Regardless of what Texas, or the higher courts, has said is allowed in Texas, it does not mean the application of the death penalty in these Law of Parties cases is right.  America has had many laws throughout its founding that were not just, but until they were resisted and protested on a large scale they were not repelled.   We are asking that you lend us your voice with regard to this issue, by voting in favor of House Bill 304, and House Bill 2267; both of which seek to end the death penalty as a sentencing option for Law of Parties cases.


We further humbly ask you to make an adjustment to these bills by adding in verbiage to make the law retro-active, as there are MANY people who currently sit on death row for murders they did not commit, nor have knowledge of until after the fact.  Please do NOT allow Texas to kill more people who are FACTUALLY INNOCENT OF MURDER!


Many people, even beyond the undersigned here, are concerned about this issue and we personally are resolute on our feelings about it. We hope you will share our sentiments as well.


We would like to thank you in advance for your time, attention, and favorable support on these House Bills.



Sincerely,


The undersigned

Dear Distinguished Members of the Texas Legislature,


Today we, the undersigned, come to you with an urgent petition. We hope that you hear our cries for this urgent and just matter. Many of you that read this letter are probably already familiar with this issue and we hope that we will be able to motivate you to act. This issue is regarding the Texas Law of Parties Statute, specifically the application of 7.02(b), and how Texas prosecutors, and Courts, are abusing it. We feel that it is time that this law be attacked and challenged on a grand basis.


We have been winning some great victories against the death penalty with DNA issues, mental retardation standards and the juvenile ruling, but who can deny that many issues still remain? We feel that the Law of Parties should be put at the forefront. Why? Because this system claims that the death penalty is reserved for the worst of the worst criminals, and for the most heinous crimes; yet there are men on death row who did not kill a single person and in the majority of these Law of Parties cases did not even intend that a life be taken. We are outraged that no group of politicians has stood up to point this out until now!  Regardless of what Texas, or the higher courts, has said is allowed in Texas, it does not mean the application of the death penalty in these Law of Parties cases is right.  America has had many laws throughout its founding that were not just, but until they were resisted and protested on a large scale they were not repelled.   We are asking that you lend us your voice with regard to this issue, by voting in favor of House Bill 304, and House Bill 2267; both of which seek to end the death penalty as a sentencing option for Law of Parties cases.


We further humbly ask you to make an adjustment to these bills by adding in verbiage to make the law retro-active, as there are MANY people who currently sit on death row for murders they did not commit, nor have knowledge of until after the fact.  Please do NOT allow Texas to kill more people who are FACTUALLY INNOCENT OF MURDER!


Many people, even beyond the undersigned here, are concerned about this issue and we personally are resolute on our feelings about it. We hope you will share our sentiments as well.


We would like to thank you in advance for your time, attention, and favorable support on these House Bills.



Sincerely,


The undersigned

Dear Distinguished Members of the Texas Legislature,


Today we, the undersigned, come to you with an urgent petition. We hope that you hear our cries for this urgent and just matter. Many of you that read this letter are probably already familiar with this issue and we hope that we will be able to motivate you to act. This issue is regarding the Texas Law of Parties Statute, specifically the application of 7.02(b), and how Texas prosecutors, and Courts, are abusing it. We feel that it is time that this law be attacked and challenged on a grand basis.


We have been winning some great victories against the death penalty with DNA issues, mental retardation standards and the juvenile ruling, but who can deny that many issues still remain? We feel that the Law of Parties should be put at the forefront. Why? Because this system claims that the death penalty is reserved for the worst of the worst criminals, and for the most heinous crimes; yet there are men on death row who did not kill a single person and in the majority of these Law of Parties cases did not even intend that a life be taken. We are outraged that no group of politicians has stood up to point this out until now!  Regardless of what Texas, or the higher courts, has said is allowed in Texas, it does not mean the application of the death penalty in these Law of Parties cases is right.  America has had many laws throughout its founding that were not just, but until they were resisted and protested on a large scale they were not repelled.   We are asking that you lend us your voice with regard to this issue, by voting in favor of House Bill 304, and House Bill 2267; both of which seek to end the death penalty as a sentencing option for Law of Parties cases.


We further humbly ask you to make an adjustment to these bills by adding in verbiage to make the law retro-active, as there are MANY people who currently sit on death row for murders they did not commit, nor have knowledge of until after the fact.  Please do NOT allow Texas to kill more people who are FACTUALLY INNOCENT OF MURDER!


Many people, even beyond the undersigned here, are concerned about this issue and we personally are resolute on our feelings about it. We hope you will share our sentiments as well.


We would like to thank you in advance for your time, attention, and favorable support on these House Bills.



Sincerely,


The undersigned

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We signed the "Challenging the Law of Parties!" petition!
# 506:
6:24 am PST, Nov 18, Rebecca McFarland, New Mexico
Stop this insane law! To kill anyone is a barbaric act; to kill someone who did not directly commit a crime is lower than low and the USA is a better country than that.
# 505:
6:19 pm PST, Nov 13, Lisa Stecovic, Australia
The Death Penatly creates more victims and perpetrates the cycle of violence. The only people who believe in this are those who don't understand it's inequities and those who believe that revenge for Murder is acceptable. Even if the person sentenced to death didn't kill anyone. Just who are we punishing and what are we punishing for? One elegant argurment goes like this; the person you are yesterday is not the person you are today. It stands to reason then that the person who commited a crime may not be the person who you punish for the crime. If jail is supposed to be corrective, then what do we do if the correction works? What happens if, for whatever reason, a jail actually accomplishes it's job and makes a new person out of someone. How do we deal with that?
# 504:
6:55 pm PST, Nov 11, Sigrid WALSH, Texas
These young boys don't understand what their responsibilities are when they find themselves in a dire situation. I know a young man who came home and said 'have you heard of a women getting beaten up and killed?" His mother and I said 'no'. Luckily the women who was beaten up did not die, but the bully got 40 yrs. because he had priors,unbeknowns to this young man. He was with the bully but did not know much about him. Also did not know to notify the police. Consequently he got 5 yrs in prison because of "Law of Parties" THIS MUST STOP.
# 503:
2:45 pm PST, Nov 11, Tracy Braswell, South Carolina
# 502:
2:22 pm PST, Nov 1, Paul Goldstein, Norway
It is literally beyond belief that a State, which is bound by the U.S. Consitution including its Bill of Rights, can take the life of a person because of their associations with another accused of a crime - even if it is proven the person was not at the scene, had no prior knowledge of the crime, and had no criminal intent - and even if the other party is acquitted. This is absolutely shameful and inhumane "justice", is totally at odds with the values of American civil liberties and fairness, and has no place in the American judicial system. To the State of Texas: You're a part of the United States of America, and you have agreed to abide by the U.S. Constitution. ACT LIKE IT! (Please note: Although I live in Norway, I'm a U.S. citizen and Massachusetts voter.)
# 501:
11:00 pm PDT, Oct 31, Caroline Williams, Australia
The Law of Parties is unjust - basically its guilt by association & must be repealed. The death penalty is wrong & I cannot sit by idly whilst the lives of innocent people are in the balance.
# 500:
10:16 am PDT, Oct 26, Peter Daniels, Texas
It need to be seriously reviewed and amended.
# 499:
5:26 am PDT, Oct 26, Name not displayed, Texas
There is a higher power that will judge individuals who have committed heinous crimes. We are not that higher power. Abolish the death penalty.
# 498:
9:36 pm PDT, Oct 25, Name not displayed, Texas
The Texas Law of Parties - must be completely abolished
# 497:
12:57 pm PDT, Oct 25, Térésa MASIA PERALES, France
ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
# 496:
10:40 pm PDT, Oct 24, Name not displayed, New York
Save this man
# 495:
2:35 pm PDT, Sep 22, Marilyn Vaughn, Texas
# 494:
7:38 am PDT, Sep 18, David Babb, Texas
# 493:
2:06 am PDT, Sep 16, Geoff Allshorn, Australia
In the name of humanity, please abolish the medieval punishment known as the death penalty! Much of the civilised world has already abolished it and the USA lags tragically behind.
# 492:
9:35 pm PDT, Sep 11, Mike Austin, United Kingdom
Please Take Notice, I have read alot about this case on the internet. And I truly think that if you should carry out putting this man to death. I truly think you will be killing ( Murdering ) an Innocent Man. Please do not carry it out and KILL AN INNOCENT MAN.
# 491:
7:24 pm PDT, Sep 8, Elena Berry, Idaho
# 490:
9:12 pm PDT, Sep 4, Michelle Shelton, Texas
# 489:
8:30 pm PDT, Aug 31, Rebecca Adams, Florida
# 488:
8:45 am PDT, Aug 31, Jennie Dobson, United Kingdom
# 487:
5:43 am PDT, Aug 31, Penny Hauser, Delaware
# 486:
6:25 am PDT, Aug 27, Carla-Ann Schneider, Florida
# 485:
6:34 am PDT, Aug 26, Sabine Wuebben, Germany
# 484:
3:54 am PDT, Aug 25, Reiner Lindler, Germany
# 483:
6:37 pm PDT, Aug 19, Name not displayed, Texas
God blessed us with a commutation for Kenneth Foster, but Gov. Perry did not agree to clemency because he felt the "Law of Parties" was unjust - he was concerned about another aspect of the trial. Gov. Perry said. “I am concerned about Texas law that allows capital murder defendants to be tried simultaneously, and it is an issue I think the legislature should examine.” I believe that we need to pray even harder for Jeff Wood. This law is just plain wrong! If you live in Texas, please contact your state senator and state representative and put pressure on them from now until Jan. of 2011 to enter another bill that would do away with this ridiculous law.
# 482:
12:29 pm PDT, Aug 15, Vicky Kontou, Germany
# 481:
3:15 pm PDT, Aug 12, Catherine Darcis, California
# 480:
2:04 pm PDT, Aug 11, Kelly Hanshaw, Kentucky
# 479:
1:25 pm PDT, Aug 11, Brandy King, Kentucky
# 478:
10:05 pm PDT, Aug 10, Birgitt Roberts, Germany
# 477:
11:58 am PDT, Aug 10, Luke Charles, United Kingdom
# 476:
3:37 am PDT, Aug 6, Yvonne Brandhorst Janßen, Germany
# 475:
8:02 pm PDT, Aug 3, Name not displayed, Texas
# 474:
7:31 am PDT, Aug 3, Kristin Kolleda-Harmon, Alaska
'An eye for and eye makes the whole world blind' please abolish the death penalty in the USA! Another death, another family saddened helps none of us. Love mercy and spare them.
# 473:
7:25 am PDT, Jul 23, Michael Bryan, United Kingdom
I am petitioning on behalf of my friend Tamara Rivera who is serving 'time' in lane murray unit her mexican husband at the time killed a shop owner during a bungled robbery she wasn't even there but was given 20 years being below age, tdcj insist she's doing 99years so parole are doing something quite illegal and keep extending the term she's also suffering from chrones disease but medical have totally failed to relieve it, consequently she is in total pain all the time.tdcj are a total racket as a prison authority.
# 472:
7:18 am PDT, Jul 23, Teresita Garza, Florida
# 471:
2:42 pm PDT, Jul 20, Nicole Paul, Texas
My Husband is facing this charge and he had no part of the arguement that led to the shooting he was just in the same house.
# 470:
11:56 am PDT, Jul 19, Name not displayed, Italy
# 469:
9:46 am PDT, Jul 15, "HillBilly" Rob, Texas
This statute is Evil! End the law of parties!
# 468:
1:56 pm PDT, Jul 13, Andres Morin III, Texas
STOP THE MADNESS NOW!!
# 467:
10:36 am PDT, Jul 9, Amy Stratton, Texas
# 466:
4:53 pm PDT, Jul 6, John Platts, Texas
The law of parties in Texas is not limited to capital murder and actually applies to all felonies, including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and non-homicide felonies. I believe that the law of parties is unjust because it makes all co-conspirators guilty of the crime, even if the co-conspirators did not commit the crime for which they are liable under the law of parties. I believe that the law of parties should not apply to capital murder, murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide cases. There are three essential elements that have to be met in order for a person to be convicted under the law of parties. First, a felony, separate from the object of the conspiracy, has to be committed by one of the co-conspirators. Second, that felony has to be in furtherance of the conspiracy. Third, that felony has to be anticipated by the participants. I believe that some of the death row inmates convicted under the law of parties might be innocent because new evidence may arise that might disprove the one or more of the essential elements of felony convictions under the law of parties (this does not apply to those directly involved in the commission of the murder offense, but only to those co-conspirators whose liability and conviction for the murder is based solely on the law of parties).
# 465:
1:29 pm PDT, Jul 4, Sylvia Stanway, United Kingdom
# 464:
11:42 am PDT, Jul 1, Maria Moline, California
# 463:
9:25 am PDT, Jun 30, Alessia Zignani, Italy
# 462:
12:37 pm PDT, Jun 22, Name not displayed, California
# 461:
1:27 pm PDT, Jun 20, Jane Lindsay, Texas
# 460:
10:06 am PDT, Jun 13, Sophie Szeferowicz, France
# 459:
5:45 am PDT, Jun 9, Katarina Rydbck, Sweden
I cant understand that a "civilised" democracy has a law like this. I know that you think us europeans are to soft on crime but what you do is crazy.
# 458:
9:22 pm PDT, Jun 4, Lizette Ramos, Texas
Its unfortunate that so many people are losing loved ones due to a moment of irrational thinking wether that be a bad judgement call on being a part of something that you weren't sure about, hanging out with people you thought were okay to be around, getting in the car with a friend on the wrong occassion, or even attending a party that may have eventually gotten out of control...its not justice to take the lives of those people who are in fact not guilty of personally pulling the trigger or maliciously murdering someone...where is the justice in killing people simply to prove a point. That's what this law is all about. The real murderers are those who uphold this law and choose not to do away with it. Your killing men and women that could very well still make a difference in someone elses life if not the world....not to mention costing millions of dollars in tax payers money to detain some for several years and then realize the State made a mistake...who makes up for all that lost time? Perhaps the person that made the judgement call to put them there in the first place should now switch places with them....especially since we are punishing those who are lacking in making good decisions.
# 457:
8:45 pm PDT, Jun 4, Diana Paz, Texas
Its unfair that we as people are allowing the State Legislative to play God and judge the lives of innocent men and women that could very well be innocent or in the least reformed and made to see the error of their ways...
# 456:
4:09 pm PDT, Jun 2, Lisa Curtiss, Michigan
# 455:
10:55 pm PDT, May 31, Jukka Vallisto, Finland
# 454:
9:13 pm PDT, May 30, CASANDRA Villa, Texas
# 453:
8:54 pm PDT, May 30, Marcy Hernandez, Texas
# 452:
2:57 pm PDT, May 30, Maria Spatenhuber, Texas
# 451:
10:38 am PDT, May 30, Katja Siirasto, Finland
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